Smokeless candle snuffer and wick trimmer combination

ABSTRACT

This invention improves upon the existing art by providing a combination implement for use with candles, thereby providing a convenient tool with multiple functions. Broadly, the implement includes an elongated handle having a first end with a candle wick trimmer and a second end with a candle snuffer. In the preferred embodiment, the candle snuffer is the form of a bent wire configured to perform a smokeless, wick-dipping action. In an alternative embodiment, the wick trimmer comprises a pair of miniature shears. An option sleeve may be provided to cover at least the shears, and the elongated handle may have one or more flat sides suitable for carrying messages.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/339,277, filed Dec. 11, 2001, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to wax candle use and maintenance and, in particular, to a combination smokeless snuffer and wick trimmer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Candles have been in use for lighting and decoration for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and their use continues to this day for such purposes. Though there are only three basic actions associated with candle use; namely, lighting, snuffing, and wick trimming, numerous basic and decorative implements have been devised for these actions.

[0004] In terms of candle snuffing, different designs are available according to the level of residual smoke. For example, one type of snuffer, which includes a cup on the end of a handle, is placed over the burning wick, temporarily depriving the flame of oxygen, thereby putting out the flame. However, this technique leaves behind some smoke which some people find malodorous.

[0005] Another technique involves dipping the wick into the molten wax, then pulling it back out for relighting. An advantage of this approach is that very little smoke is generated and the implement can, in fact, be easier to make and less expensive. All of these snuffing techniques have no doubt been known for many, many years

[0006] Likewise, numerous wick trimming tools and techniques are known and available, including shear and cutter/anvil tools. Although there does exist tools which combine a candle lighter with some form of extinguisher, to Applicant's knowledge, no single tool combines a wick trimmer with an extinguisher, whether of the cup type or smokeless variety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This invention improves upon the existing art by providing a combination implement for use with candles, thereby providing a convenient tool with multiple functions. Broadly, the implement includes an elongated handle having a first end with a candle wick trimmer and a second end with a candle snuffer.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment, the candle snuffer is the form of a bent wire configured to perform a smokeless, wick-dipping action. In an alternative embodiment, the wick trimmer comprises a pair of miniature shears. An option sleeve may be provided to cover at least the shears, and the elongated handle may have one or more flat sides suitable for carrying messages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 illustrates an implement having an elongated having, at one end, a smokeless “wick dipper” type of extinguisher and, at the other end, a wick trimmer in the form of small shears;

[0010]FIG. 2 shows how a plastic handle may be used having opposing holes into which the trimmer, extinguisher, or both, may be force-fit; and

[0011]FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a sliding-type of shear style trimmer is used as opposed to the scissors type.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] This invention improves upon existing articles by combining a candle snuffer and wick trimmer in a single implement. In the preferred embodiment, the implement takes the form of an elongated handle having, at one end, a smokeless “wick dipper” type of extinguisher and, at the other end, a wick trimmer in the form of small shears. The invention is not limited in this respect, however, in that cup-shaped and other forms of extinguishers may be used, as well as other types of wick-trimming apparatus.

[0013] The preferred embodiment, however, is depicted in the figures, wherein FIG. 1 illustrates generally at 100 an implement having an elongated handle 102 and opposing ends 104 and 108. The handle 102 may be of any convenient shape, an elongated barrel having flat sides 103, preferably three in number, is used to permit writing, advertising, or other messages to be more easily imprinted thereon.

[0014] At the end 104 of the implement 100, there is supported a wick trimmer 106 in the form of miniature scissors which are preferably maintained in a normally open position through the use of a spring 108. Optionally, to close the scissors during periods of nonuse, a cover 107 or sliding sleeve 107′ may be used. A similar cover, sleeve or a single elongated sleeve may be used to protect or cover the extinguisher end 108 of the implement, which includes a bent wire 110 having a generally C-shaped hook 112.

[0015] The opening of the C-shaped hook 112 is preferably on the order of a few millimeters, such as four millimeters or thereabouts, so that it may be conveniently used to surround a wick and bend it down into a pool of molten wax to put out the flame. By simply rotatively manipulating the implement, the same hook may be used to pull the drown wick back out of the melted wax into an upright position for the next lighting in a smokeless manner.

[0016] In terms of materials, the entire device may be made out of a single material such as metal, it may be advantageous for cost reasons to use a separate material such as plastic or wood for the handle. Toward that end, as shown in FIG. 2, a plastic handle may be used having opposing holes into which the trimmer, extinguisher, or both, may preferably be force-fit. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a sliding-type of shear style trimmer is used as opposed to the scissors type described herein above. 

I claim:
 1. A combination implement for use with candles, comprising: an elongated handle having a first end with a candle wick trimmer and a second end with a candle snuffer.
 2. The combination implement of claim 1, wherein the candle snuffer is a bent wire configured to perform a smokeless, wick-dipping action.
 3. The combination implement of claim 1, wherein the wick trimmer comprises a pair of miniature shears. .
 4. The combination implement of claim 1, further including a sleeve to cover the shears.
 5. The combination implement of claim 1, wherein the elongated handle has one or more flat sides. 